Karoline Leavitt, 27, the White House press secretary, has not been seen without a silver cross necklace – but today she broke her tradition and an expert believes it could signify a ‘quiet transformation’

Karoline Leavitt was spotted without her jewelry

Politician Karoline Leavitt, the 27 year old White House press secretary, made a subtle yet striking change during today’s press conference.

Onlookers immediately spotted the missing silver cross necklace that Karoline typically wears, a signature accessory that has become synonymous with her public image across appearances, interviews, and media engagements. The delicate piece has been regarded as an integral element of her personal aesthetic, and jewelry specialists suggest it may carry profound significance.

Trang Do, creator of custom jewelry label Kim Joux, offered insights into the importance of Leavitt’s accessory decisions and the potential symbolism behind today’s notable absence. “Jewelry has long served as more than a simple accessory, instead it is a language of identity, memory, and meaning. Karoline Leavitt’s choice to wear a silver cross necklace at the White House is a subtle yet powerful statement that bridges personal narrative with cultural symbolism, and she’s rarely seen without it,” Do explained.

“The silver cross, in particular, is steeped in layers of tradition. It’s a motif that carries spiritual weight, but its simplicity also lends itself to modern reinterpretation.

An expert took a look into her recent fashion choices(Image: Getty)

“From a design perspective, silver is a compelling choice. It has a democratic elegance as well as being cool, understated, and versatile. It mirrors Karoline’s clean and contemporary style, and unlike gold, which can lean towards opulence, silver feels grounded and intimate. It invites closer inspection rather than demanding attention.”

Do suggested that the missing necklace might not have been an oversight, reports the Mirror US.

“Karoline’s choice to forego it at her recent press briefing could be just as significant as its presence. Jewelry often serves as an emotional touchstone, so its absence, especially when conspicuous, can indicate a change.

“In this instance, choosing not to wear the cross could hint at a subtle transformation.

“It might be a calculated move to distance herself from certain connotations, whether they’re religious, cultural, or personal.

“It could suggest a wish to assert autonomy from expectations, or even a readiness to face vulnerability without the solace or safeguard the piece once provided,” she explained.

“Of course, sometimes the absence is practical or coincidental. But with someone like Karoline, whose choices are often deliberate and meticulously planned, the decision to omit a symbolic item like this necklace could be a conscious one, signaling a departure from a style we’ve grown accustomed to seeing her in.”

Leavitt, recognized for her sleek yet youthful wardrobe, has frequently used fashion to subtly underscore her messaging.

Although she didn’t directly address the change, her ensemble, featuring a navy blue blouse and minimal accessories, was noticeably understated.

This marked a slight deviation from her signature style, which typically includes vibrant separates and more striking silver accessories.